Juicing vs. Smoothies for Kids

[designing4you2003]

I have read that juicing is best because the nutrients go straight into your system without having to work through the fiber. On the other hand, I have read that smoothies are better because you do get the fiber.

I have been juicing for months now and always start my children's day with juice made from carrots, apples and some greens (kale/spinach/celery/cucumber). They really enjoy their juices.

Yesterday, after reading about the value of smoothies, I decided I would try the smoothie method instead of the juicing. Neither of my boys liked the smoothie (made from banana, strawberry, spinach, & 2 small dates). I could not get them to drink it at all. I thought it tasted great. My older son asked if I would give him the juice instead. So today I went back to juicing and they are currently drinking their carrot, apple, kale, spinach juice.

My question is, is one better than the other or should I just be grateful that they are getting their nutrients, although not the fiber. I do fruit smoothies in the afternoons on occassion and sometimes they do drink it so they get their fiber then, and through the foods they're eating.

Thanks for your input!

[Raw Angel Mom]

Yes this is true that juicing it goes straight in your system.

Smoothy are considered as complete food and is also important. They have their fiber and they get to clean your guts better.

If you eat raw gourmet or cook food, this is good to juice.

If you are starting on the raw diet, i would say to do smoothie.

Here is why, because you are going to detox way too fast and it could leads to problem. For instance, if you have stone on your liver, your body will disolved it but if you detox too fast you may end up to need a surgery intervention.

I feel this is important to respect the speed of our body and just trust him without going into fear and try to detox or loose weight too fast, just follow your body's need.

For the vegetable, juicing them is fabulous and i recommend this. This is great that your children like it perhaps later on they will be more into smoothies.

If someone do cook food, i recommend more juicing. At first, i wanted juice and now, i only want smoothies. I am drinking vegetable juice though but my greens are blend with fruits.

Your body is wise and it will guide you.

Best wishes!

[Zella Juice]

I believe both are very important.

And I do admit to some creative (hate to say) bribing to get him to drink them when I make them too strong. He usually likes them but sometimes I go overboard with the greens. I say ..you can have 50 cents or you can have your date nut bar if you finish it all. It's bad but I think if he gets it in him enough times he will start craving it. And he does..he has been looking forward to his juice and asking for more salads.

[Aleesha Sattva]

both are great but if they won't drink one... then obviously the other is better LOL

go with what works, try different green smoothies occassionally and see if they'll drink them :)

[firefaery]

I can't handle the fiber of greens in smoothies at this point, so what I tend to do is juice the greens and use that as a base for smoothies. So far so good! My kids love it too. Maybe that's an option?

This morning I juiced a head of celery and a bunch of parsley and got about 3 cups. I added banana, strawberry, peach, cherries, blueberry, almond butter and coconut oil. It was delightful!

[firefaery]

adding: my kids can't handle the fiber either. IT really messes them up, so I think you could even chalk it up to intuitive eating in our case!

[GypsiAnsara]

If your kids prefer juice, let them have juice! They can get their fiber from the whole foods they eat. :)